The Benue State Government has sealed St. John’s Hospital, Otukpo, following allegations of severe breaches of medical standards, including a disturbing case in which a patient reportedly had both breasts removed without due clinical procedure.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, confirmed the closure on Saturday, saying the decision followed findings that the facility failed to comply with “established clinical guidelines.”
He said the ministry had been monitoring the hospital after receiving several complaints of unethical practices, prompting the deployment of an enforcement team on Friday for an on-site inspection. The operation was led by the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Agbadu Joshua, in company with the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association’s Anti-Quackery Committee, Dr. Alex Iorbo, as well as desk officers from Otukpo and Gboko LGAs who were conducting routine assessments.
Ogwuche stated, “This is part of the state government’s intensified campaign against quackery and substandard medical practice.
“During the inspection of St. John’s Hospital Otukpo, the team found the facility operating in a substandard and unsafe environment and also failing to follow approved treatment protocols.
“The malpractices included a reported case of the removal of both breasts of a patient allegedly carried out on the 25th of November without adherence to established clinical guidelines.”
According to the commissioner, the hospital was sealed immediately, while the Medical Superintendent has been queried and directed to appear before the ministry on Monday for further questioning.
Ogwuche stressed that the state government would continue to safeguard public health by enforcing ethical, safe and professional standards across medical facilities. He warned that any hospital found endangering lives would face decisive sanctions.
The latest action comes weeks after the state shut down St. Peter and Paul Community Health Centre and Maternity in Lessel, Ushongo LGA, following what officials described as serious professional misconduct—underscoring the government’s ongoing effort to sanitise the health sector.
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